Redevelopment Authority Announces Cleanup Project in Derry Borough

GREENSBURG (January 10) – Work is now underway to clean up a long-time blight in the heart of Derry Borough. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Westmoreland today announced work is starting this week at the former Porcelain Park site. Gray Waste Management of North Braddock was awarded the $515,426 contract for the Derry Redevelopment Project that includes site clearance, abatement of hazardous materials and demolition.

“The residents of Derry have patiently waited for this day to come” said April Kopas, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority. “We are optimistic that clearing the site is the first step toward preparing it for reuse by a town-friendly industry that will bring jobs back to the area.This project would not have been possible without the support of not only the elected leaders in the borough, but also the dozens of residents who wrote letters and made phone calls making this project a reality.”

The area is a former Westinghouse facility and is one of the last remaining large brownfield sites in Westmoreland County.

“The cleanup of brownfield sites will continue to be a priority for Westmoreland County, and we are excited to support the Redevelopment Authority with this effort” said Jason Rigone, Executive Director of the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation.

“Projects like this not only have an immediate impact on the community, but also present an economic development opportunity. This site, with its rail access and industrial zoning, has value in the industrial market and the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation will immediately begin marketing once the project is complete.”

The Derry Redevelopment Project was funded with a Community Development Block Grant loan from Westmoreland County and Industrial Site Reuse grant money from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Further funding is being sought from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency for environmental clearances and additional site improvements.

Congressman Mark Critz said “A lot of good people worked very hard to make this happen and I am proud to have played a role in fighting for Westmoreland County and especially Derry. Right now it means cleaner and safer. In the near future it means jobs and growth. All of Westmoreland benefits from good projects like this because it will make a real difference in real lives.”

The Derry Redevelopment Project is part of a renewed focus by the county’s Redevelopment Authority to rehabilitate and reinvigorate downtown areas. For more information about the Redevelopment Authority, visit www.co.westmoreland.pa.us (keyword: redevelopment).